Den Frie Udstilling – Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art
Independent artist-run exhibition house in a striking wooden building, presenting changing contemporary art shows in the heart of Copenhagen’s Østerbro district.
Den Frie Udstilling, housed in the striking Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art near Østerport in Copenhagen, is an artist-founded exhibition venue dedicated to experimental contemporary practice. Established by artists in the late 19th century, it continues to present bold, changing group and solo shows that engage with the building’s distinctive wooden architecture. Expect a compact but atmospheric circuit of bright galleries, a small bookshop and café, and a program that often foregrounds artist-run initiatives and collaborative projects.
A brief summary to Den Frie Udstilling
- Oslo Pl. 1, Copenhagen, København Ø, 2100, DK
- +4533122803
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 12 pm-6 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-6 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-9 pm
- Friday 12 pm-6 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-6 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-6 pm
Local tips
- Check the current exhibition schedule in advance; Den Frie has no permanent collection, so what you see depends entirely on the temporary shows.
- Aim for the late opening evening to enjoy a quieter, more contemplative visit and extra time with larger installations.
- Combine your visit with nearby cultural neighbours and parks, as the gallery itself is compact and best enjoyed without rushing.
- Bring a light layer; the wooden building can feel warm during busy exhibitions or on sunny days.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Regional train and S-train
From Copenhagen Central Station, take an S-train or regional train towards Østerport Station; the ride typically takes 5–10 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. Standard single tickets within the central zones cost roughly 20–30 DKK, and trains are step-free, making this the most convenient option if you have luggage or mobility needs. From Østerport it is a short, level walk on paved surfaces to Den Frie.
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City metro
Use the M3 or M4 metro lines to Østerport metro station, which is usually 5–8 minutes from central interchanges such as Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport. A single metro ticket for the relevant zones is typically around 20–30 DKK, and trains run every few minutes from early morning until late evening. Elevators and escalators provide easy access, and once at Østerport you follow clearly signed exits towards Oslo Plads and walk a few minutes to the gallery.
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City bus
Several city bus routes run along Østerport and nearby arterial streets, with typical journey times of 10–20 minutes from central Copenhagen depending on traffic. A standard bus ticket within the city costs about 20–30 DKK and can usually be bought via ticket machines or transport apps. Buses are low-floor and suitable for wheelchairs and prams, though they can be crowded at rush hour, so allow extra time if travelling in peak periods.
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Bicycle
Cycling to Den Frie from central Copenhagen generally takes 10–15 minutes along the city’s network of dedicated bike lanes. You can use your own bicycle or rent a city bike from docking stations around the centre, with typical short-term rentals starting from roughly 20–40 DKK per half hour. The route is mostly flat and well signposted, but be prepared for busy commuter traffic on weekdays and always use lights and reflectors in low light.
Den Frie Udstilling location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Den Frie Udstilling
An artist-founded home for contemporary experimentation
Den Frie Udstilling grew out of an artist-led initiative in the 1890s, created as a space where artists could exhibit on their own terms rather than depend solely on official salons and juries. That independent spirit still defines the house today. Operating as Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art, it focuses on exhibitions conceived, curated or selected by artists, with an emphasis on groups, collectives and experimental constellations. Across the year you will usually find a sequence of temporary shows, often themed around pressing cultural questions, new media, or cross-disciplinary collaborations. Instead of a permanent collection, the space reinvents itself with each project, inviting repeat visits for entirely different experiences.Distinctive wooden architecture on Oslo Plads
From the outside, Den Frie is instantly recognisable: a freestanding, almost pavilion-like building in painted wood, set just off the traffic of Oslo Plads. The architecture has a sculptural quality, with rhythmic facades and a slightly whimsical silhouette that contrasts with the stone and brick buildings nearby. Inside, the galleries unfold as a circuit of high-ceilinged rooms, whitewashed and light yet undeniably shaped by their wooden bones. Artists frequently respond directly to this architecture, creating site-specific works, large-scale installations or sound pieces that play with the acoustics and the sense of flow between rooms. Even when an exhibition is minimal, the character of the building provides a strong backdrop.What you’ll experience inside the galleries
Visiting Den Frie feels more like entering a curated sequence of chapters than a traditional museum. Exhibitions often bring together multiple artists around a shared theme, so you may move from immersive video to fragile drawing, then into a room of sculptural experiments or performance documentation. The scale is intimate: you can usually see everything at a comfortable pace in one to two hours, with time to linger. Labels and texts tend to prioritise context and artistic intent over exhaustive art-historical detail, making it accessible if you are curious but not a specialist. Some shows are conceptual and challenging; others are playful, sensory or visually lush.Café, bookshop and quiet corners
Beyond the galleries, Den Frie includes a small café area where you can pause over coffee or a light snack, often in sight of artworks or exhibition posters. It is a good place to decompress after an intense installation or to discuss what you have just seen. A modest book and design shop typically offers exhibition catalogues, artist publications, postcards and art books, many focusing on Danish and Nordic contemporary practice. Together with occasional talks, screenings or events, these elements turn the building into more than a simple gallery visit – it functions as a meeting point for the city’s art community.Planning your visit and practical atmosphere
Den Frie is a paid-entry venue, though ticket prices are moderate and sometimes include concessions or free days. Opening hours tend to be concentrated in the afternoon, with extended hours one evening per week and earlier opening at weekends, which makes it easy to combine with nearby museums and parks. The atmosphere is calm and informal. Staff are usually close at hand in the foyer or galleries if you have questions about a particular work or exhibition. Mobile reception is generally good, and photography is often permitted for personal use, though specific artworks may have restrictions. With its compact size, distinctive building and changing program, Den Frie fits neatly into a wider day exploring Østerbro and central Copenhagen.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Paul's Church
0.4 km
Neo‑Romanesque red brick meets ochre-yellow naval housing at this calm parish church, giving Nyboder a quiet spiritual heart amid central Copenhagen.
Our Fallen
0.5 km
A bronze tribute to World War II sacrifice, standing sentinel at Kastellet's gate since 1957.
Horn mine
0.7 km
A disarmed World War II naval mine displayed in Churchill Park, turning a former weapon of the sea into a quiet reminder of conflict amid central Copenhagen’s greenery.
Maritime Monument
0.7 km
Honoring Denmark’s seafaring legacy, the Maritime Monument in Østerbro is a striking, evocative memorial nestled in the heart of Copenhagen’s leafy cityscape.
Iver Huitfeldt Memorial
0.7 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Huitfeldt's heroic last stand at sea, crowned with Victory.
I am Queen Mary
0.9 km
A powerful harborfront monument honoring rebel leader Mary Thomas, confronting Copenhagen’s colonial past beside the historic West Indian Warehouse.
Rosenborg Castle
0.9 km
Discover the charm of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, a historic gem showcasing royal treasures and serene gardens.
Amalienborg Palace
0.9 km
Explore the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, a stunning royal residence showcasing rich history and exquisite architecture.
Amalienborg
0.9 km
Discover Amalienborg, Copenhagen’s stunning rococo palace complex—current home to the Danish royal family and a cultural window into centuries of regal Danish tradition.
Rytterstatuen
0.9 km
A towering bronze king on horseback, Rytterstatuen anchors Amalienborg’s royal square, uniting art, power and urban design in the heart of Copenhagen.
Larsens Pl.
1.0 km
Historic waterfront where Scandinavian dreams embarked for America, now a refined promenade of heritage and harbour views.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.0 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid by Bjørn Nørgaard
1.1 km
Aarhus University Park blends stunning natural scenery with iconic Danish architecture, creating a lush urban haven and cultural centerpiece in the heart of Aarhus.
Bredgade 18
1.1 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Wilhelm Hansens Hus
1.1 km
Former home of Denmark’s leading music publisher, quietly anchoring Gothersgade’s elegant streets between royal gardens and lively Kongens Nytorv.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kastellet
0.4 km
Explore Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen's Renaissance masterpiece housing Denmark's crown jewels and royal regalia.
Nyboder
0.5 km
Historic naval home preserving four centuries of Danish maritime family life in a single yellow row house.
Monument to Denmark's international activities after 1948
0.5 km
A quiet, contemporary memorial within Copenhagen’s star-shaped fortress, honoring Denmark’s post‑1948 international missions with flame, stone and thoughtful space.
Inugsuk
0.6 km
Discover one of Europe's oldest and most innovative zoos, home to over 4,000 animals and award-winning habitats in the leafy heart of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
Bredgade Kunsthandel
0.6 km
Refined contemporary art gallery on Copenhagen’s Bredgade, where Danish and international works unfold in bright, minimalist rooms just steps from royal and design landmarks.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
0.6 km
Denmark’s national gallery, uniting seven centuries of art, a world-class Matisse collection and a luminous modern wing beside Østre Anlæg park in central Copenhagen.
Designmuseum Danmark
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s temple of design, where rococo halls, iconic Danish chairs and a tranquil garden reveal how beautifully made objects shape everyday life.
Museum of Danish Resistance
0.7 km
Go underground beneath Churchill Park to follow five real lives through Denmark’s World War II occupation, in an immersive museum of resistance, choices and courage.
St Alban's Church
0.7 km
Step into history and legend at Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed as Hamlet’s ‘Elsinore,’ overlooking the spectacular Øresund Strait.
Medicinsk Museion
0.7 km
Historic surgical academy turned cutting‑edge medical museum, where preserved bodies, instruments and contemporary science exhibitions reveal how we understand health and disease.
Langelinie Pavillonen
0.7 km
Experience modernist elegance and panoramic harbor views at Copenhagen's iconic Langelinie Pavillonen.
Gefion Fountain
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Copenhagen’s creation myth cast in bronze, the Gefion Fountain hurls goddess, oxen and water into a powerful tableau beside the harbour and Churchillparken.
St. Alexander Nevsky Church
0.7 km
Explore the evolution of design at Copenhagen's premier museum, housed in a historic rococo building.
Langelinieparken
0.7 km
Leafy waterfront lawns, sculptures and sea views where cruise ships, mythic fountains and Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid all meet along a single harbourfront walk.
Langelinie Park
0.7 km
Explore Denmark's first public museum, showcasing the neoclassical masterpieces of Bertel Thorvaldsen in the heart of Copenhagen.
Essential places to dine
Kokkeriet
0.5 km
Intimate Michelin-starred townhouse in central Copenhagen, reimagining classic Danish cuisine as elegant modern tasting menus with curated wines and juices.
Dag H
0.6 km
Stylish Østerbro brasserie offering classic bistro plates, all-day dining, and a cosmopolitan terrace in Copenhagen’s embassy quarter.
Veve
0.8 km
A destination for innovative, plant-based fine dining in Østerbro, where Nordic purity meets global flavors for an unforgettable vegetarian tasting menu experience.
Restaurant Rebel
0.9 km
Seasonal Danish produce meets French technique at this relaxed, MICHELIN-recommended bistro on Store Kongensgade, where an open kitchen and inventive plates define the mood.
Aoc
0.9 km
Two Michelin stars of bold Nordic flavors in a historic 17th-century cellar.
Restaurant Koefoed
1.0 km
Fine dining in a historic coal cellar celebrating Bornholm's culinary traditions and Danish gastronomy.
Restaurant Vita
1.0 km
Historic Danish dining in a former royal pharmacy, serving traditional smørrebrød and national classics.
Alouette
1.0 km
One‑Michelin‑star Green Star dining in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, where hyper‑seasonal Nordic tasting menus meet quietly striking design by the King’s Garden.
Den Lille Fede
1.0 km
Cosy, candlelit tasting-menu restaurant near Kongens Nytorv, where playful Nordic-inspired courses and thoughtful wine pairings turn dinner into an unhurried evening event.
Tèrra
1.1 km
Celebrated for organic Italian-Danish tasting menus and eco-conscious fine dining, Tèrra offers a memorable culinary experience in Copenhagen’s vibrant Østerbro.
Restaurant Grønnegade
1.1 km
Seasonal Danish‑French fine dining in a 17th‑century Copenhagen townhouse, offering intimate, adults‑only evenings with polished service and thoughtful wine pairings.
Goldfinch
1.1 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Bistro Royal
1.2 km
Elegant all‑day French‑Danish bistro on Kongens Nytorv, pairing brasserie classics with prime people‑watching and a lively, chandelier‑lit atmosphere.
Frank
1.2 km
A candlelit Copenhagen luxury bistro where an open kitchen, bold seasonal cooking and an exceptional wine list create an intimate, wine-lover’s evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.2 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Crown souvenir
0.7 km
Compact, colorful souvenir stop on elegant Amaliegade, perfect for picking up Danish flags, Little Mermaid trinkets and royal-themed keepsakes near Amalienborg.
Royal Souvenir Shop
0.8 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
The Wilde Shop
1.1 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design World of Memories
1.1 km
Denmark's largest souvenir chain with 14 locations offering over 2,000 authentic Danish keepsakes and contemporary design pieces.
Zane
1.2 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
1.2 km
Step off the cobblestones of Gammel Mønt into Henrik Vibskov’s offbeat fashion laboratory, where avant‑garde silhouettes, artful interiors and curated design collide.
Storm - design art fashion
1.2 km
A pioneering Copenhagen concept store where avant-garde fashion, art, design objects and niche fragrances meet in a minimalist, gallery-like space on Store Regnegade.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.2 km
A vibrant Østerbro thrift store where sustainable shopping, Danish design, and community spirit support Red Cross humanitarian work.
Maritime Antiques &
1.3 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Norse Projects
1.3 km
Scandi-cool flagship store pairing minimalist Nordic design with functional, all-season clothing in a calm, gallery-like space in central Copenhagen.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.3 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Viking Souvenirs
1.3 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Copenhagenglass
1.3 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.3 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Swan
0.6 km
Craft-forward, cosy and unpretentious, Black Swan is Copenhagen’s inner-city local where rotating taps, serious cider and good conversation flow late into the night.
ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik - Østerbro
0.9 km
Explore the finest wines at ROOTS Vin Bar & Butik in Østerbro, Copenhagen – where every sip tells a story.
Søernes Ølbar
0.9 km
Discover Søernes Ølbar, a cozy craft beer haven by Copenhagen's lakes, offering an extensive selection of brews and breathtaking views.
Trianglen 7
1.1 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen wine culture at Trianglen 7, a charming wine bar offering a curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
ØB
1.1 km
Experience the best of Copenhagen's nightlife at ØB, where great beer, tasty burgers, and a lively atmosphere come together.
Trykbar
1.1 km
Cosy, central Copenhagen bar with a strong beer list, warm lighting and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that blends hygge with lively late-night energy.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.1 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
Østerbros Perle Pub
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Østerbros Perle Pub in København Ø, where locals and tourists unite over drinks and laughter.
Bar Deco
1.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
The Moose
1.2 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Balthazar
1.3 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Gejser Bar
1.3 km
Craft cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine in Copenhagen's most welcoming sophisticated bar.
1105
1.3 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
Bo-Bi Bar
1.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Bo-Bi Bar, where delightful drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Charlie's Bar
1.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
